NATO Chief Slams Russian Navy's Desperate Search for Submarine Repair Expert

Breaking News: NATO Boss Mocks Russian Navy's "Nearest Mechanic" Hunt In a scathing rebuke, the head of NATO has ridiculed Russia's efforts to find a mechanic to repair one of its submarines, which was forced to surface off the coast of France due to a suspected fuel leak. The Novorossiysk, a Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine commissioned in 2012, was seen surfacing on November 10, sparking concerns about its safety and operational capabilities. Timeline of Events November 10: The Novorossiysk surfaces off the coast of France, prompting speculation about the cause. November 12: Russia denies any problems with the submarine, citing compliance with maritime transit rules. November 15: Social media reports suggest a fuel leak and lack of spare parts or qualified specialists onboard. Immediate Impact and Response The incident has raised eyebrows in NATO circles, with Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg dismissing Russia's claims as "inconvenient truths." In a statement, he said, "It seems that the Russian navy is struggling to find even the most basic maintenance personnel. We're not surprised, given their track record." Background Context The Novorossiysk is one of several Russian submarines commissioned in recent years, part of a modernization effort aimed at bolstering the country's naval capabilities. However, this incident highlights concerns about Russia's ability to maintain and operate its fleet effectively. What Happens Next As the search for a mechanic continues, NATO officials are urging caution, warning that the Novorossiysk poses an explosion hazard. The incident has also sparked renewed debate about Russia's military capabilities and its commitment to international maritime law. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Arstechnica reporting.*